Portable cooler



Oct. .9, 1962 L.. H. KIMBROUGH, JR 3,057,503

` PORTABLE COOLER Filed Nov. 28, 1960 4 sheets-sheet 1 A T )RNIS YS Oct..9, 1962 L.. H. KIMBROUGH, JR 3,057,508

PORTABLE COOLER Filed Nov. 28, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheel 2 W/ /7 Z//Z ,fio /4INVENTOR. ad A/zmraug/z Jr ATTORNEYS OCt- 9, 1952 L. H. KIMBROUGH, JR3,057,503

PORTABLE COOLER 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 28, 1960 Oct 9, 1962 L. H.KIMBROUGH, JR 3,057,508

PORTABLE COOLER Filed Nov. 28, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 MMWWW-@L UnitedStates Patent O 3,057,508 PRTABLE COOLER Lud H. Kimbrough, Jr.,Richmond, Va., assignor to Ideal Fishing Float Company, Inc., Richmond,Va., a corporation of Virginia Filed Nov. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 72,129 19Claims. (Cl. Zlib-55.7)

This disclosure constitutes a continuation-impart of my copendingapplication, Serial No. 57,249, tiled September 20, 1960, now mergedwith this disclosure.

Y It is `an object of the present invention to provide an improvedportable cooler made of a foamed thermoplastic resin such as expandablepolystyrene ywherein the material is shaped to form a container havingan integral Wall construction prescribing shoulders and recesses foraccommodating a separator tray member, thereby to selectively partitionthe interior of the container into separate compartments or to supportthe separator tray member to form a shelf in the container.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved handleconstruction for a container made of a foamed thermoplastic resin suchas expandable poly- `styrene and wherein lthe lifting forces arediffused over a large surface area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide -a portable coolermade of an expanded polystyrene material wherein a bracket made of anF-shaped extrusion is adhesively secured to the side walls of thecontainer, thereby to simultaneously form a sliding trackway at the topof the container and Iforming a lifting bracket which spreads liftingforces over a wide area provided by the bonded joint.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedbushing joint for a lifting handle on a portable cooler.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portablecooler having a slide top which can be locked in place by the handles toform a convenient table top.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a handleconstruction for a slide top cooler wherein the handles are convenientlylocated for two people t carry the cooler is desired.

Many other features, advantages and additional objects of the presentinvention will become manifest -to those versed in the art upon makingreference to the detailed description which follows and the`accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structuralembodiment of a portable cooler incorporating the principles of thepresent invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

On the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a reduced perspective View illustrating a portable coolerembodying the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the portable coolershown in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a plan elevational view of the portable cooler of FIGURE 1but with the sliding top removed to reveal additional details ofconstruction of the interior of the cooler;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 but showing the sliding top inclosed position and with the handle construction in locking position,part of the handles being broken for additional clarity in understandingthe principles of the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally on line V-V of FIGURE3.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a lform of portable cooler constructedin accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 7 is a view in side elevation of the cooler fice shown in FIGURE6, with one handle in a released position and with the lid of the coolershown in a partly open position;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary View in side elevation of the cooler shown inFIGURE 6, with the two handles in locking positions and certain parts ofthe handles broken away and shown in section; and

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken sub-l stantially alongIX-IX of FIGURE 6.

As shown on the drawings:

While the principles of the present invention are of generalapplicability, a particularly useful utilization of the inventiveprinciples is made in a portable cooler illustrated generally at l0 inFIGURE l.

The cooler 10 is preferably made of a light but rugged insulatingmaterial such as a foamed thermplastic resin. One material which hasbeen advantageously used in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention is expandable polystyrene. Expandable polystyrene isproduced as free-flowing beads containing an integral expanding agent.When exposed to heat, the beads expand t0 over sixty times theiroriginal volume, for example, to as low as one pound per cubic foot. Y

The foam-like material thus produced exhibits unique properties. Thus,there is a closed cell structure having controllable density and lowthermal conductivity (K factor). Furthermore, the material has low waterabsorption, low water vapor permeability and displays the requisitedegree of toughness and all around adaptability which makesV it suitablefor use as a cooler. Further, expandable polystyrene is dimensionallystable at ambient temperatures up to 175 F. and resists acids, yalkaliesand. the lower alcohols.

The `foamed material does not embrittle at low temperatures anddemonstrates no loss in impact resistance even at extremely lowtemperatures.

The water absorption of the foamed material is extremely low because ofthe non-interconnecting cell structure. The water absorption in atypical sample, after 48 hours of immersion under hydrostatic pressureequivalent to l0 feet of water is less than 0.9% by volume The foamedmaterial also exhibits a very low Water vapor transmission rate in theorder of about 1.0 to 1.7 grains per hour per square foot per inch `ofthickness per inch of HG vapor pressure difference (by A.S.T.M. methodCA 355-54 T).

`Foaming the expandable polystryrene beads ordinarily comprises twodiscrete steps, namely (1) heat pre-expanding the unconfined virginbeads, whereupon the translucent beads assume a spherical shape andbecome white in color and (2) further heat expansion of the pre-expandedbeads within the shaping confines of a mold to produce a smooth-skinned,closed-cell 4foam of controlled density registering every detail yof themold.

In the cooler 10 of the present invention, the expandable polystyrenematerial is heat expanded within the shaping confines of a mold toproduce a container 11 having side walls shown at 12, end walls shown at13 and a bottom wall 14.

Since the material is capable of registering every detail of lthe mold,such characteristic has been exploited in accordance withV theprinciples of the present invention to form each of the side walls 12with a thickened lower portion 14 and a relatively thinner upper portion16, thus forming at a medial portion of each respective Yside wall 12 anintermediate horizontal shoulder 17 which extends from one end 18(FIGURE 3) adjoining one of the end walls 13 to the other end, as shownat 19 adjacent the other end wall 13.

The shaping characteristics of the material are further exploited inaccordance with the principles of the present invention by formingwithin the thickened lower wall portion 14 of each respective side wall12 a vertically extending slot or recess 20 which has a depth, in thethickened portion 14, essentially equal to the difference in thicknessbetween the thinner upper portion 16 and the thicker lower portion 14and which vertically extending slot or recess 20 extends from the bottomwall 14 upwardly through the lower thicker portion 14 of the side wall12 and intersects the shoulder 17. It will be noted upon reference toFIGURE 3 that the slot or recess 20 is positioned approximately midwaybetween the end walls 13,-13.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a separatortray 21 is provided which may be conveniently made of a plastic sheetform material and constituting a generally rectangular plate havingoffset peripheral flanges 22 to lend rigidity to the plate. Thedimensions of the separator tray 12 are such as to provide slidingengagement as at 23 with the spaced shoulders 17, `17, therebypermitting the separator tray 21 to be slidably positioned anywherealong the length of the shoulders 17, 17 between the opposite end walls13, 13. For example, the separator tray 21 may be positioned on theshoulders 17, A17 adjacent one end wall 13, thereby to form a shelf,while the opposite end of the container remains unobstructed. Thatposition of the separator tray 21 is illustrated in FIGURE 5 wherein theseparator tray 21 is slidably positioned on the shoulders 17, 17.

The tray 21 can also be positioned vertically and is slidably receivedand confined within the slots or recesses 20, 20 on opposite side walls12, 12, whereupon the interior of the container between the thickenedside wall portions 14, 14 is divided into two separate compartmentsincluding a compartment A and a compartment B, as shown in FIGURE 3.

The top of the side and end walls 12 and 13 forms an upper fiat surfaceshown at 26 and on which is received a cover member 27. The cover membercomprises a fiat generally rectangular member conforming in`configuration to the container 11 and includes an upstanding centralboss portion 28. Thus, there is provided on the cover 27 a peripheralledge 29 which surrounds the central boss 28.

In order to confine and guide the cover 27 in slidable relation on thetop surface 26 of the container 11, there is formed a guide means oneach respective side wall 12 which guide means is indicated `generallyat 30.

More specifically, to accommodate the guide means, each side wall 12 isnotched along its upper margin in a longitudinally extending directionas at 31. A generally F-shaped `bracket member is provided whichconveniently comprises an extruded part made of a lightweight metal suchas aluminum or the like and which bracket member is indicated at 32. Thebracket 32 has a major leg p0rtion 33 and two offset minor leg portions,including an upper minor leg 34 and an intermediate minor leg 36. Theintermediate minor vleg 36 fits into the longitudinally extending notch31 and the upper minor leg 34 is spaced therefrom so that the uppersurface of the intermediate minor leg 36, together with the surface 26on the side walls 12, 12 and the lower surface of the upper minor leg 34form a guideway for sliding, guiding and confining the cover 27. Theupper minor leg 34 overlies the ledge 29, while the lower face 37 of thecover 27 slidably engages against the surface 26 and the upper surfaceof the intermediate minor leg 36.

The major leg 33 has a lower portion 38 which extends below theintermediate minor leg 36 and lies adjacent the outer surface of eachrespective side wall 12. An adhesive is introduced between such portionof the bracket 33 and the adjoining side wall surface of the walls 12,as at 35, thereby to form a bonded joint between the bracket 33 and thecorresponding side wall 12.

For aesthetic purposes, the lower portion 38 of the bracket 33 may benotched as at 39, thereby leaving a pair of triangular-shaped hingeportions which are spaced longitudinally of the backet 33.

To further enhance the aesthetic appearance of the bracket 33, the outerupper `face of the bracket may be scalloped as at 40.

An opening is formed at each respective side wall 12 at the triangularportions of the major leg 33 of the bracket 32 and a registering openingis also formed in the `depending portion 38 of the bracket 32. Thus, theopening is shown in each respective side wall at 41 and in the bracket32 the opening is shown at 42.

On the inside surface of each side wall, there is provided a shallowcounterbore 43, thereby to receive and seat a washer 44.

Extending into the other end of the opening, there is provided aninternally threaded bushing 46 which has an outer diameter substantiallythe same as the openings 41 and 42. Thus each bushing 46 is pressed intoplace through the openings 42 and 41 and a flange 47 formed on eachbushing 46 overlies the edges of the opening 42 in the `dependingportion 38 of the bracket 32.

A fastening screw 49 is screw-threaded into each bushing 46 from theinside of the corresponding side wall 12 and each fastening screw 49`has a head Si) which overlies the edges of the `opening formed in thewasher 44. The washer 44 together with the fastening screw 49 and thebushing 46 when drawn together serve to further clamp each bracket 32into firm assembly with a corresponding side wall i12, thereby assistingthe adhesive bonded joint 39 in retaining the parts in firm assemblywith one another.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the bushings46 may `also comprise a part of `an improved handle assembly since thebushings snugly fit the openings 42 in the bracket members 32 andlifting forces may be transmitted through the bushings 46 and into thebracket 32, whereupon such lifting forces will be dissipated or diffusedIthrough the extensive area provided by the bonded joint 35. This isparticularly advantageous in connection with the use of an expandedthermoplastic resin since the unit pressures will be minimized.

More specifically, the handle construction includes two separate handlemembers, both of which `are identical in structural and functionalfeatures and common reference numerals will be used to describe bothhandles.

Generally, each handle comprises a bail-like member so that the handleis indicated in the drawings generally at S2 and comprises an armportion 53 which lies adjacent a corresponding side wall 12 and`terminates in a rounded end portion 54.

Adjacent 4the rounded end portion 54, each arm portion 53 is formed witha bayonet-type slot indicated generally at 56. The bayonet-type slot 56includes a p0rtion 57 which extends substantially longitudinally of thearm portion 53 having an end portion 58 which is outermost of the armportion 53, or, in other words, nearest the rounded end portion 54 andextending inwardly into the arm portion 53 to `terminate in a transverseportion for a part of its length as at 59.

To provide a stud for entering the slot 56, there is provided ascrew-threaded fastening member 60 having a head 61 which overlies theedges of the slot 56, the screw fastener 60 being screw-threaded intothe threaded bore of the bushing 49.

The inner end of the screw fastener 60 engages and abuts against theinner end ofthe screw fastener 49, thereby affording a stop abutmentwhich spaces the head 61 outwardly of the flange 47, thereby permitting-the arm 53 of each corresponding handle 52 to have a good pivotalconnection with the lifting assembly, the fastening member 60 in eachinstance forming a pivot pin.

Each bail-type handle member 52 has a transversely extending portionshown at 63. To impart rigidity to the handle and to form a manuallygraspable lifting portion,

the transverse portion 63 is curved as at 64, but otherwise extendsstraight across between the opposite arm portions 53, 53 of thecorresponding 4handle to be disposed in generally parallel relation toan end Wall 13.

When a corresponding stud provided by a screw fastener 60 is located inthe longitudinally `extending portion 57 of a slot 56, as in theright-hand portion of FIGURE 2, the handle 52 is free to swing from alowermost position, as shown in FIGURE 2 wherein the portion 63 engagesagainst the end wall 13 at lan intermediate portion thereof, to anelevated position, as shown in FIGURE 1. When both handles 52, 52 areswung upwardly to the position of FIGURE 1, it will be readily :apparentthe person `can easily grasp both handles simultaneously. Further, theseparate handles 52, 52 can be readily used yby two people if desired.

In this position, the pin provided by the screw fastener 60 engagesagainst the end 58 of the slot and the effective length of the handle 52is such as to swing the portion 63 past the corner provided by the endwall 13 adjacent the top surface 26.

By moving the handles 52 adjustably so that the stud provided by eachcorresponding screw fastener 60 enters the transverse portion 59 of eachslot 56, the spacing dimension between the pin 60 and the innermostcurve portion 64 of lthe handle 5'2 is such that the handle 52 cannotswing past the corner provided by the end wall 1.3. Moreover, therespective handles pivot into a blocking relation with the upstandingvboss 28 and engage against the end abutment surfaces shown at 66 and67, respectively.

In locking position, therefore, both handles 52 are positioned with thecross pieces 63 resting on the ledge 29 and engaging against therespective abutment surfaces 66 and 67. In this locking position, theslidable cover 2.7 is securely confined in closed relation on top of thecooler 1.0 and the cooler can be transported, for example, in the :trunkof an automobile with minimum risk of spilling the contents thereof.

When it is desired to gain access to lthe interior of the cooler, oneyor the other of the handles 52 may quickly and conveniently be adjustedto swing the cross piece 63 to the down position, as shown in t-heright-hand part of the FIGURE 2 and the cover 27 may be slidablyremoved.

In FIGURES 6-9 the cooler 10a includes a bottom Illa parallel spacedside walls 12a extending upwardly therefrom, and end walls 13aconnecting said side walls together. As shown in FIGURES 6 and 9, thebottom, side and end walls are integrally formed and are of sucientthickness to eiciently insulate the cooler `and to provide the requiredrigidity to accommodate the cooler and to provide the required rigidityto accommodate the cooler to readily be carried from place to place whenfull. A drain 14a is shown as `leading from one of the end walls 13a todrain water therefrom, yas Where the cooler may contain ice.

The top surfaces of the `side walls 12a and end Walls 13a are flat toprovide an uninterrupted at surface along which `a cover or lid 15a mayslide to close the cooler and to afford access thereto.

The lid 15a has a recessed marginal or edge portion 16a extendingthereabout. Opposite sides of the recessed marginal portion 16a slidablyextend within facing channeled guides 17a, extending along opposite`sides 12a of the cooler t0n. As shown in FIGURE 9, the channeled guides17a include vertically spaced inwardly extending parallel leg portions19a, extending inwardly from an outer plate portion 20a, extendingdownwardly from the leg portions 19a along the outer sides of t-he sidewalls 12a. The lower leg portion 19a of each channel guide 17a isrecessed within the top portion of the respective side wall 12a, adistance equal to a thickness of said leg portion to provide anuninterrupted top surface along which the lid 15a may slide, Iand tothereby Y6 'accommodate the undersurface of 4the lid 415e: to be flushwith the -top surfaces of the 4side and end walls 12a and 13a.

'Ilhe channelled guides 17a are secured to the side walls 12 as bylongitudinally spaced bolts 21a extend-ing through the side walls 12afrom the inner sides thereof and having nuts 22a threaded on the outerends thereof. As

' shown in FIGURE 9, the bolts 21a extend through inner reinforcingplates 23a, extending along the insides of the side walls 12a and havinginwardly extending lower flanged portions 24a, forming supports for ashelf or the like, within the cooler. The bolts 21a extend through ftheplates 23a, the side walls 12a and the plate portions 20a of thechannelled guides 17a, and the outer end portions thereof form pivotpins for spaced handles 25a and 26a.

rIihe handle 25a is in the general form of a bail, generally U-shaped inform having parallel spaced legs 27a connected together by atransversely extending crosspiece or gripping portion 29a recessedinwardly from the top thereof to provide an inner rounded grippingsurface 30a, forming a continuation of a rounded gripping surface 31a ofthe handle 26a when the handles 25a and 26a are together in the positionshown in FIGURE 6, to enable the two handles to be readily grasped bythe hand.

The handle 25a is movable downwardly about a fixed pivot from thecarrying position shown in FIGURE 6, into a locking position intoengagement with the top surface of the associated end wall 13a, and whenin this position may abut an end of the cover 15a, t-o retain said coverfrom slidable movement beyond said handle.

The handle 26a is also in the general form of a bail similar to thehandle 25a, but is extensibly and retractably mounted on the bolts 21a,to accommodate movement of the handle 21a beneath the top surface of theend wall 22a into the position shown in FIGURE 8, to provide :annuninterrupted surface along the top of the cooler and accommodate thelid 15a to be slidably moved to Ian open position along the top of thecooler.

As shown in FIGURES 6, 7 and 8, the handle 26a has parallel spaced legs33a having a bayonet-like slot 35a extending along each leg. The slot35a has a rectilinear portion 36a extending `along each leg 33a andterminating into inturned outer and inner end portions 37a and 39arespectively. The terminal margins of the respective inturned endportions 37a and 39a form bearfing surfaces about which the handle 26amay pivot about the bolts 21a, in either an `extended or retractedposition with respect to the end wall 13a, and be locked for pivotalmovement into ythe downwardly extended release position when theterminal margins of the inturned end portions 37a are in pivotalengagement with the bolts 21a, and into the locking position shown inFIGURE 8 when the terminal margins 39a of the inturned end portions 39aare in pivotal engagement with the bolts 21a, and upwardly into thecarrying position shown in FIGURE 6, when the terminal margins 39a ofthe inturned end portions 37a are in engagement with the bolts 21a.

It may be seen with reference to FIGURES 7 and 8, that the handle 25a,being movable about :a xed pivot is of such a length that its cross orgripping portion 29a is always in engagement with the top surface of theassociated end wall 13a, when the handle 25a is pivoted to a downposition, and that this gripping portion forms an yabutment for one endof the cover 15a. The handle 26a may, however, be locked in position torest on lthe top surface of the `opposite side wall 13a and engage theopposite end of the lid 15a when the bolts 21a are in the terminalmargins of the inturned end portions 39a of the slots 35a, to securelylock the lid 15a in position on top of the cooler. When, however, it isdesired to open the cooler, it is merely necessary to grasp the handle26a tand slightly raise the handle and move the handle along the slots35a in opposite legs 33a thereof, to engage the 7 terminal margins ofthe inturned end portions 37a with the bolts 21a, at which time thehandle may be moved about the bolts 21a downwardly into the positionshown in FIGURE 7, to release the cover for opening, or may be movedupwardly about said bolts into the position shown in FIGURES 6, to`accommodate the carrying of the cooler from place to place.

Although minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in theart, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope ofthe patent warranted hereon, all such modifications as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of my contribution -to the art.

I claim as my invention:

1. A portable cooler comprising expanded polystyrene shaped to form acontainer having upstanding side walls, said side walls having an upperhorizontal surface, each said side wall being notched at the outermargin of said upper horizontal surface to form a longitudinallyextending recess, and an F-shaped bracket for each side wall and havinga major leg and two spaced minor legs offset from the major leg at theupper portion thereof land at a medial portion thereof, respectively,the medial minor leg of each said bracket being received in acorresponding notched recess and forming with said upper horizontalsurface and the upper minor leg a guideway for slidably confining acontainer cover, and fastening means between said side walls and saidmajor leg of said bracket.

2. A portable cooler as defined in claim l, said fastening meanscomprising an adhesive forming a bonded joint between said bracket andsaid side walls.

3. A portable cooler as defined in claim l, said fastening meanscomprising an opening `formed in said major leg of said bracket, aninternally threaded bushing extending through said opening and throughan adjoining side wall and having a fiange overlying said major leg, awasher in said side wall and in register with said bushing at the insideof said side wall, and a screw fastener having a head overlying saidwasher and threaded into said bushing.

4. A portable cooler as defined in claim 3, said fastening means furthercomprising an adhesive forming a bonded joint between said bracket andsaid side walls, and lifting means connected to said bushing outwardlyof said flange, whereby lifting forces are transmitted through saidbushing and into said side wall over the extended area of said bondedjoint.

5. A portable cooler as defined in claim l, said fastening meanscomprising an opening formed in said major leg of said bracket, aninternally threaded bushing extending through said opening and into theadjoining side wall and having a flange overlying said major leg, andlifting means connected to said bushing for transmitting lifting forcesthrough said bushing and into said bracket for diffusion over theextended area of said bonded joint.

6. A portable cooler made of a foamed thermoplastic resin such asexpandable polystyrene and shaped to form a container having upstandingside walls, a metal platelike bracket having a fiat face abuttingagainst the outside surface of said side wall and extendingsubstantially between opposite ends of the container below the top edgeof the side wall, an adhesive forming a bonded joint between said faceand the outside surface of said side wall and being coextensive in areavwith said face, and a lifting bushing having a ange overlying saidplate-like bracket, said bracket having an opening through which saidbushing extends into the adjoining side wall, whereby lifting forcesapplied to said bushing ,are transmitted to the side walls throughoutthe area of said bonded joint 7. A portable cooler made of a foamedthermoplastic resin such as expandable polystyrene and shaped to form acontainer having upstanding side walls, a metal plate-like brackethaving a flat face abutting against the outside surface of said sidewall and extending substantially between opposite ends of the containerbelow the top edge of the side wall, `an adhesive forming a bonded jointbetween said face and the outside surface of said side wall and beingcoextensive in area with said face, and lifting means connected to saidbracket including a bushing, said bracket having an opening throughwhich said bushing extends into the adjoining side wall, whereby liftingforces are transmitted to said side wall throughout the area of saidbonded joint.

8. A portable cooler comprising a container having side walls, trackmeans at the top edge of said side walls for confining and guiding asliding cover, and a pair of hails, each having an arm on opposite sidesof said container, a slot formed in each arm extending longitudinally ofsaid arm for a part of its length and transversely of said arm theremainder of its length, said side walls having a stud connected theretoentering each corresponding slot, each said bail having a body portionpositioned in a locking position relative to an adjoining end of thesliding cover when each said corresponding stud is seated in saidtransverse portion of said slot, and said body portion being pivotallymovable downwardly out of locking position when said studs arepositioned in the longitudinally extending portions of the slots,thereby permitting the cover to be removed from either end orselectively locked in place.

9. A handle and cover assembly comprising means forming side and endwalls of a container, a cover on said side and end walls, guide rails onsaid side walls confining and guiding said cover for removal from eitherend of said container, a bail-type handle on each end of said containerincluding an arm lying adjacent each side wall and a portion swingablefrom a first position against the adjoining end wall to a secondcarrying position above the container, and each said arm having formedtherein a bayonet slot, each said side Wall having a stud for each armentering a corresponding bayonet slot and normally pivotally supportingthe handles for swinging movement between said first and secondpositions, each said bayonet slot having a transversely offset portion,said handles being relatively movable to locate said studs in thecorresponding offset portions of the bayonet slots, whereupon the handleis positioned in a third blocking position engaging the end of the coverand locking the cover against sliding movement and removal from theguide rails.

lO. A portable cooler comprising expanded polystyrene shaped to form acontainer having upstanding side Walls, said side walls having an upperhorizontal surface, each side wall being notched at the outer margainthereof to yform a longitudinally extending recess in said upperhorizontal sur-face, an F-shaped bracket for each said side wall andhaving 'a major leg and two spaced minor legs offset from the major legat the upper portion thereof and at -a medial portion thereof, themedial minor leg of each said bracket `being recessed in a correspondingnotched recess and forming with said upper surface and the upper minorleg a guideway `for slidably confining a container cover, and a handleand cover assembly comprising a cover confined and guided on said upperhorizontal surface in said guideway, a bail-type handle on each end ofsaid container including an arm lying adjacent each side wall and across piece extending between said arms, said cross piece beingswingable from a first position engaging against an adjoining end wallto a second carrying position spaced above the container, each said `armhaving formed therein a bayonet slot, each said side wall having a studfor each arm, said stud entering a corresponding bayonet slot andnormally pivotally supporting the handles for Vswinging movement betweensaid fir-st and second positions, each said bayonet slot having atransversely offset pontion wherein said handles are relatively movablewith Isaid studs entering the corresponding offset por-tions of thebayonet slot to position the cross piece in a third blocking positionengaged against the end of said cover and locking said cover againstsliding movement and removal `from the guideway.

l1. A portable cooler made of a foamed thermoplastic resin such asexpandable polystyrene shaped to form a container having upstanding sidewalls, 4,a metal platelike bracket having a flat face abutting againstthe outside surface of said side Wall and extending substantiallybetween opposite ends of the container below the top edge of the sidewalls, an adhesive forming a bonded joint between said yface and theoutside lsurf-ace of the side wall and being coextensive with the areaof said face and lifting means connected to said bracket comprising apair of bails, each having an arm on opposite sides of said container, aslot formed in each arm extending longitudinally of said arm for a partof its length and transversely of said arm for the remainder of itslength, said bracket having a stud connected thereto for each arm, eachstud entering a corresponding slot, said plate-like bracket forming a-guideway at the top of the container, a sliding cover confined in saidguideway and slidable endwise of the Icontainer for removal therefrom,each said bail having a cross piece in a locking position relative to anadjoining end of the sliding cover when each corresponding stud isseated in -said transverse portion of said slot, said cross pieces beingpivotally v movable downwardly out of locking position when said studsare positioned in the longitudinally extending portions of the slots,thereby permitting the Icover to be removed from either end of thecontainer.

l2. In a handle assembly for a portable cooler, an internally threadedilanged bushing extending into a side wall of the cooler, .a washerpositioned on the inside sur-face of the cooler wall, -a headedfastening screwthreaded into said bushing through said washer, saidflange being positioned on the outside of the container wall, and afastening screw threaded into said threaded bushing 4from the outside ofthe container, the inner ends of said fastening screws forming an:abutment stop whereby the :second mentioned yfastenin-g screw extendsoutwardly of the flange and `forms a lifting means for the container.

13. A portable cooler comprising a container having a lower wall, sideand end walls, a `cover on said container comprising a at lower surfaceengaging the top of the side and end walls and including an upstandingcentrally disposed boss surrounded by a ledge, thereby forming abutmentsurfaces at opposite ends of said boss, and a pair of bail-type handleseach including a cross piece and two arm portions, said arm portionsextending adjacent said side Walls and having formed therein la slotnear the Ifree end of each arm portion extending longitudinally of saidarm portion for a portion of its length and transversely of said armportion the remainder of its length, means forming a guide confiningsaid ,cover for sliding movement endwise of said container, `and studmeans on said side walls for each arm portion to provide a stud forentering said slot, each cross piece of each handle being positioned onsaid ledge and in blocking position relative to an abutment surface onsaid boss of said cover when `a corresponding stud is seated in saidtransverse portion of said slot, said cross piece being pivotallymovable downwardly ont of locking position and against an adjoining endwall when the studs `are positioned in the longitudinally extendingportions of the slots, thereby permitting the cover to be slidablyremoved from either end of the container.

14. In a portable receptacle, a box-like molded container molded from alight insulating material and having a bottom, parallel spaced sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, end walls connecting said side wallstogether and an open top, metallic slides extending along the top ofsaid side walls and having channel-like slidable guides opening towardeach other, s-aid slides having plate portions extending downwardlyalong the outsides of said side walls, reinforcing plates extendingalong the inner sides of said side walls, longitudinally spacedlaterally extending bolts, extending through said reinforcing plates,said side Walls and said plate portions, and securing said guides tosaid containerr certain of said bolts in opposed side -walls of saidcontainer being in alignment along lines perpendicular to said sideWalls, a lid slidably movable along said guides for closing saidcontainer and affording access thereinto, two handles generally U-shapedin form havin-g transverse gripping portions and p-arallel legsextending therefrom, a trst handle being pivotally mounted on oneIaligned pair of said -bolts for movement into engagement with the topsurface of said end wall to limit slidable movement of said lid withrespect to said end Wall, a second handle being slidably and pivotallymounted on another aligned pair of said bolts for extensible andretractable movement with respect to said bolts, and being movable intoengagement with the top sur-face of an -associated end wall when in saretracted position, to lock said lid to said container, and beingmovable beneath the top surface of said end wall when in :an extendedposition, -t-o accommodate slidable movement of said lid along saidcontainer to afford free access thereto.

15. In a portable receptacle, a box-like molded container molded from alight insulating material and having a bottom, parallel spaced sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, end Walls connecting said side wallstogether and an open top, metallic slides extending along the top ofsaid side Walls and having channel-like slidable guides opening towardeach other, said slides having plate por- -tions extending downwardlyalong the outsides of said side walls, reinforcing plates extendingalong the inner sides of said side walls, longitudinally spacedlaterally extending bolts, extending through said reinforcing plates,said side walls and said plate portions, and securing said guides tosaid container certain of said bolts in opposed side walls of saidcontainer being in alignment along lines perpendicular to said sidewalls, a lid slidably movable along said guides for closing saidcontainer and aording access thereinto, two handles generally U-shapedin form having transverse gripping portions and parallel legs extendingtherefrom, a rst handle being pivotally mounted on another aligned pairof said bolts for movement into engagement with the top surface of saidend Wall to limit slidable movement of said lid with respect to said endwall, a second handle being slidably and pivotally mounted on alignedbolts of said bolts for extensible and retractable movement with respectto said bolts, and being movable into engagement with the top surface ofan associated end wall when in a retracted position, to lock said lid tosaid container, and being movable beneath the top surface of said endWall when in an extended position, to accommodate slidable movement ofsaid lid along said container to afford -free access thereto, theslidable and pivotal connection between said second mentioned handle andsaid bolts comprising slots extending along the legs of said handle andhaving locking portions at opposite ends thereof, accommodating pivotalmovement of said handle about either of said locking portions.

16. In a portable receptacle, a box-like molded container molded froml alight insulating material and having a bottom, parallel spaced sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom, end walls connecting said side wallstogether and an open top, metallic slides extending along the top ofsaid side walls and having channel-like slidable guides opening towardeach other, said slides having plate portions extending downwardly-along the outsides of said side walls, reinforcing plates extendingalong the inner sides of said side walls, longitudinally spacedlaterally extending bolts, extending through said reinforcing plates,

said side walls and said plate portions, and securing said guides tosaid container certain of said bolts in opposed side Walls of saidcontainer being in alignment along lines perpendicular to said sideWalls, a lid slidably movable along said guides for closing saidcontainer and affording access thereinto, two handles generally U-shapedin form having transverse gripping portions and parallel legs extendingtherefrom, a first handle being pivotally mounted on one aligned pair ofsaid bolts for movement into engagement with the top surface of said endwall to limit slidable movement of said lid with respect to said endwall, a second handle being slidably and pivotally mounted on anotheraligned pair of said bolts for extensible and retractable movement withrespect to said bolts, and being movable into engagement with the topsurface of an associated end wall when in a retracted position, to locksaid lid to said container, and being movable beneath the top surface ofsaid end wall when in an extended position, to accommodate slidablemovement of Said lid along said container to afford free access thereto,the slidable and pivotal connection between said second mentioned handleand said bolts comprising slots extending along the legs of said handleand having inturned end portions extending inwardly from opposite endsof said slots, and having terminal end portions having bearingengagement with said bolts, to lock said handle for pivotal movementabout said bolts about either of said terminal end portions.

17. In a portable receptacle, a container having parallel side walls andend walls having aligned horizontal top surfaces, a lid guided forslidable movement along said horizontal top surfaces, two handles in theforms of bails having parallel legs extending along the outer sides ofsaid side walls and cross pieces connecting the outer ends of said legstogether, pivot pins mounted on said side Walls and pivotally mountingsaid legs on said side walls for movement about longitudinally spacedparallel axes extending perpendicular to said side walls, said crosspieces of said handles being movable into engagement with the topsurfaces of said end walls to lock said lid t said container, and one ofsaid handles having slots extending along the legs thereof, andpivotally and slidably engaging the pivot pins therefor, to accommodatemovement of said cross piece beyond the associated end Wall anddownwardly therealong, to accommodate sliding movement of said lid alongsaid container to an open position, and said slots having lockingextremities at at least one end thereof, locking said cross piece frommovement beyond its associated end wall.

18. In a portable receptacle, a box-like container having a bottom,parallel spaced side walls, end Walls connecting said side wallstogether and having aligned horizontal top surfaces, a lid shorter inlength than the length of said container slidable along said alignedhorizontal top surfaces, two handles in the general forms of bailshaving parallel legs and cross pieces connecting said legs together,said legs extending downwardly along the outer sides of said side walls,and pivot pins pivotally mounting said legs on said side walls formovement about axes extending perpendicular to said side walls, at leastone handle being slidable along its pivot pins and having aligned slotsextending along the legs of said handle and having slidable engagementwith said pivot pins, said slots terminating at at least one end thereofinto aligned terminal end portions extending angularly with respect tosaid slots, locking said handle in retracted relation with respect tosaid pins and said side walls into engagement with the top surface of anassociated end Wall, to lock said lid to said container, andaccommodating the positioning of said handle beyond the associated endwall and beneath the top surface of said end Wall downwardly along saidend wall, to accommodate slidable movement of said lid into an openposition.

19. A portable receptacle comprising a box-like molded container moldedfrom a light weight insulating material and having a bottom, side wallsextending upwardly therefrom, end walls connecting said side wallstogether, said side and end walls having aligned upper horizontalsurfaces, and said side walls being notched along the outer marginalportion of said upper horizontal surfaces to form outwardly openingrecesses extending for the length of said side walls, metallicchannelled guides for said lid extending along said side walls, eachchannelled guide having two spaced legs extending parallel to the uppersurface of the associated side Wall and having a leg portion extendingperpendicularly to said parallel legs and depending therefrom along theouter side of the associated side wall, the lower legs of said parallellegs being recessed in said outwardly opening recesses extending alongthe marginal portions of said side walls with their upper surfaces flushwith the horizontal upper surfaces of said side walls, and fasteningmeans between said side walls and said depending legs includingreinforcing plates extending along the inner sides of said side wallsand bolts extending through said reinforcing plates, said side walls andsaid depending legs, said reinforcing plates having inwardly extendingfacing lower flanged portions forming a support for a shelf and thelike.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS621,711 Richardson Mar. 2l, 1899 1,379,519 Bjornson May 24, 19211,698,929 Wentorf Jan. 15, 1929 1,958,737 Best May l5, 1934 2,632,580Biddlecombe Mar. 24, 1953 2,942,301 Price June 28, 1960

